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Sushi Mafia
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi Mafia
8.2
Trendy corner spot blending Godfather-themed branding with serious sushi execution. Extensive menu features creative baked rolls and specialty items alongside pristine sashimi, while complimentary miso soup and attentive multi-server system create a polished experience in casual surroundings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amazing Roll, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Blue Crab Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Massive creative menu with exceptional multi-server system ensuring constant attention
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking innovative rolls and efficient service
When to visit: Lunch for quick service or dinner for full selection
What to order: Amazing Roll, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, any baked specialty
Insider tip: Complimentary miso soup starts every meal
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive during peak hours. Nearby public lots within 2 blocks. East Village typically easier than downtown core.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the Godfather theme keeps it relaxed. Jeans and nice top work perfectly.
Noise level: Moderate energy - trendy vibe creates buzz but tables spaced well enough for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during prime hours (6-8pm). Multi-server system keeps things moving.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including veggie rolls, tempura options, and vegetable-forward appetizers
Vegan options: Limited but doable - cucumber roll, avocado roll, edamame. Ask about preparations as some items contain dairy/egg
Gluten-free options: Challenging - most rolls contain soy sauce. Tamari available upon request. Sashimi is safe option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - trendy but not pretentious vibe keeps pressure low, shareable format encourages interaction, and moderate noise level allows conversation. Avoid peak weekend rush for better intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) usually fine. Friday/Saturday dinner expect 30-45 min wait. Bar seating available for quicker access.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who eat sushi. Casual atmosphere welcomes families. Has California rolls and cooked options (teriyaki, tempura). Gets louder at dinner which may challenge toddlers.
Good for large groups? Excellent - trendy table vibe supports groups, extensive menu pleases diverse tastes, and multi-server system handles parties well. Call ahead for 6+.
How does pricing compare to other sushi in East Village? Mid-range $$ - rolls $12-18, specialty items $15-22. Better value than Downtown spots, comparable to other neighborhood Japanese restaurants. Quality justifies the price.
Best For
Better for: Creative specialty rolls and baked items that push beyond traditional offerings. Multi-server attention creates polished experience without stuffiness. Strong choice for groups wanting variety and energy.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional omakase experience or quiet intimate atmosphere. If you prefer minimalist menus over extensive selections, or want premium-tier fish quality over creative preparations.
Sushi Mafia
8.4
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy downtown spot blending traditional techniques with modern creativity in what locals call the best sushi on Broadway. The kitchen delivers generous portions with unique plating presentations, while the diverse menu spans classic nigiri to inventive specialty rolls with a Godfather-themed twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Long Beach Sun, American Gangster Roll, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Creative fusion rolls with generous portions and complimentary miso soup on arrival
Who should go: Groups wanting inventive rolls and shareable appetizers downtown
When to visit: Lunch specials weekdays or weekend evenings for full menu
What to order: Long Beach Sun, mafia nachos, baked mussels
Insider tip: The Gentleman Roll and oyster shooters showcase their creative side
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Broadway and side streets, metered until 8pm. Public lot on Pine Ave (2 blocks) charges $8-12 evening rate. Arrive early on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly. The trendy vibe means people dress up for photos, but it's not required.
Noise level: Moderately lively - energetic without being loud. You can hold conversations easily, though weekend evenings get buzzier with groups.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation after 7pm, especially Friday-Saturday. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait. Walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie rolls, edamame, seaweed salad, and vegetable tempura. Ask about cucumber-avocado specialty rolls.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - veggie rolls without mayo-based sauces, cucumber rolls, avocado nigiri, edamame. Alert server to ensure no fish-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten (tamari available upon request). Sashimi is safe, but most rolls contain imitation crab or tempura. Best to call ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if your date appreciates Instagram-worthy spots and isn't a sushi purist. The creative rolls are conversation starters, and the trendy-but-not-stuffy vibe keeps things relaxed. Sit at a table rather than the bar for better conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually have availability. Weekend dinners are riskier - expect 30-45 minute waits after 7pm. The bar seats are first-come, first-served and turn over faster if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately kid-friendly for ages 8+. They have California rolls and tempura that appeal to younger palates, but the trendy atmosphere and smaller tables make it better suited for tweens/teens than toddlers. No dedicated kids menu.
How does it compare to other Long Beach sushi spots? More creative and Instagram-focused than traditional spots like Enzo or Ohshima. If you want omakase or pristine traditional nigiri, go elsewhere. If you want fun specialty rolls, generous portions, and a social atmosphere, this is your spot.
Is the Godfather theme gimmicky or actually good? The theme adds personality without compromising quality - the food stands on its own. Roll names reference the movie, but the kitchen takes technique seriously. Think 'fun with substance' rather than pure gimmick.
Best For
Better for: Creative specialty rolls, shareable group dining, Instagram moments, generous portions at mid-range prices, and downtown location convenience. Wins on value-per-portion and fun factor over traditional competitors.
Skip if: You want traditional omakase, pristine nigiri-focused experiences, quiet intimate dining, or authentic Japanese minimalism. Traditional purists should head to Enzo or Ohshima instead.